Cuts and Wounds of the Mouth and Lips

Children often get minor cuts and wounds to the mouth and lips while playing, climbing, or joining in sports activities. Most of these injuries can be handled at home with simple first aid treatment. The gums, tongue, and lips have a lot of blood supply. When cuts happen, these areas may bleed a lot. These areas also tend to heal quickly and are less likely to need stitches than other parts of the body.

First aid for shallow cuts and wounds

To take care of cuts and wounds:

Calm your child and let him or her know you can help.

Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding.

Wash your hands well.

If the wound is on the lips or outside area of the mouth, wash it well with soap and water once it has stopped bleeding. Do not scrub the wound. Remove any dirt particles from the area and let the water from the faucet run over it for several minutes. A dirty cut or scrape that is not well cleaned can cause scarring. Then:

Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream.

Give your child an ice pop or ice cube to suck on to help reduce bleeding and swelling.

Check the area each day and keep it clean and dry.

Don't blow on the wound, as this can cause germs to grow.

Use a sunscreen (sun protection factor, or SPF, at least 15 or greater) on healed cuts and wounds to help prevent scarring.

If the wound is inside the mouth, rinse the area well with cool water for several minutes. Remove any dirt particles from the area. Then:

Give your child an ice pop or ice cube to suck on to help reduce bleeding and swelling.

Check the area each day and keep it clean.

Even small cuts on the lips may cause a visible difference in the border or outline of the lips. These wounds may need stitches to keep the borders even and reduce the possibility of scars. Cuts that happen in the corner of the mouth where the upper and lower lips come together can have very severe bleeding.

Cuts inside the mouth, even if they appear large, often heal on their own without the need for stitches.

Bruises, blisters, or swelling on the lips caused by injury may be treated by sucking on ice pops or ice cubes or by applying a cold pack to the area every 1 to 2 hours for 10 to 15 minutes for the first 24 hours.

When should I get immediate medical attention for my child?

Your child's healthcare provider will talk with you about treatment for cuts and wounds of the mouth that need more than minor treatment at home. In general, get your child quick medical attention for cuts and wounds of the mouth that are:

Bleeding and do not stop after 5 to10 minutes of direct pressure. If the bleeding is profuse, hold pressure for 5 to 10 minutes without stopping to look at the cut. If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, put a new cloth on top of the old cloth. Do not lift the original cloth. Keep in mind that facial wounds often bleed heavily, even under normal circumstances.

Deep or longer than 1/2 inch

Large and on the face

Caused by a puncture wound or dirty or rusty object

Embedded with debris, such as dirt, stones, or gravel

Ragged or have separated edges

Caused by an animal or human bite

Extremely painful or if you suspect a fracture or head or bone injury

Showing signs of infection, such as increased warmth, redness, swelling, or fluid leaking

A cut that goes from the inside of the mouth through to the outside

A cut that goes through the border or outline of lip

Also get your child medical care if:

Your child has not had a tetanus shot within the past 5 years, or if you are unsure when your child's last tetanus shot was given

You are concerned about the wound or have any questions

Preventing mouth injuries

To prevent mouth injuries in children:

Teach your child never to walk or run while holding an object in his or her mouth.

Teach your child not to suck or chew on hard, sharp, or pointed objects, such as pencils.

Have your child wear a mouth guard for sports activities that could cause injury.